in Council Chambers, Sparta Township Municipal Building, 65 Main Street, Sparta, New Jersey. Regular meeting is now open at 7:00 15 p.m. All Council meetings are now live-streamed and can be viewed at the
following link: youtube.com / @SpartaTWP / streams. Adequate notice of this meeting was provided to the public and the press on January 7th, 2026, by delivering to
the press and posting on the Township website a copy of this notice. Madam Clerk, may I have a roll call, please? Councilman Scott. >> Here. Councilwoman Murphy. Here. Councilman Clark. Here. Deputy Mayor Sylvester. Here. Mayor Wirths-Blumenfeld. Here. Will you all please join me in a salute
to our flag? I pledge As we begin our time together here tonight, I'd like to offer a reminder that we're all here tonight and watching because we care deeply about Sparta and want to keep it the special place that it is. We belong to one close-knit community
and while we may not agree on everything, we share a deep and abiding care for our town and that common ground is what keeps Sparta strong. I respectfully ask that we all, so myself, my colleagues up here on the dais, and you, the public, to strive to
actively listen tonight to one another and be respectful as we interact. Thank you. Okay, we're going to start off with the minutes for tonight. We have three sets of meeting minutes to approve. May I have a motion, please, to approve
the January 27th, 2026 regular meeting minutes as presented? So moved. May I have a second? I'll second. All in favor, say I. I. I. Any opposed?
Motion carried. May I have a motion to approve the February 10th, 2026 regular meeting minutes as presented? So moved. May I have a second? Second.
All in favor? I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carried. And finally, may I have a motion to approve the February 24th, 2026 regular meeting minutes as presented? So moved. May I have a second?
Second. All in favor, say I. I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carried. Now, Manager Zepp, would you please present your manager's report? Good evening, Mayor, Council members, and all Sparta residents joining us in
person or watching from home. Thank you for being with us tonight. I want to thank the Environmental Commission volunteers and Courtney Nelson, the Commissioner Secretary, for hosting a successful Earth Day Fair inside Town Hall on Saturday, despite the weather.
15 environmental organizations participated with tabletop exhibits, and Blue Heron's Farm and Native Nursery offered a native plant sale. Sparta High School National Honor Society, Key Club, and Ecology members led hands-on activities for children, including crafts, games, and a
biodiesel-powered popcorn machine. Along with acoustic music in the halls, the event was well-attended by families from Sparta and across Sussex County. Another big thank you goes out to Mitch Morrison and all the Sparta Bag It Day volunteers for their outstanding work
supporting the 2026 Sparta Spring Bag It Day event. This event was a tremendous success thanks to their dedication and enthusiasm. Sparta is fortunate to have so many residents who generously give their time, energy, and talents to make our community a wonderful place to live and
work. We also extend our appreciation to our emergency service volunteers, human service volunteers, and community service volunteers for everything they do. As Mitch shared, the Sparta Bag It Day volunteers love participating.
Tonight, I am honored to announce the appointment of two new volunteers to the Sparta Township Fire Department. On the recommendation of Chief Fire Fire Chief Ryan Odom, we welcome Kyle Caulfield and Robert Tracy as the newest members of our dedicated team.
Both members are already certified firefighters, and we are grateful for their commitment to public service and look forward to their contributions in serving Sparta and the surrounding communities. I've been informed by our JCP&L utility representative that upgrades are being implemented where redundant circuits are
being installed between electrical substations, thereby reducing power outages, especially along Main Street. The upgrades are estimated to be completed by May 15th, 2026. Soil sampling was conducted today at the
farm property at 809 West Mountain Road. Nine test pits were excavated in the soil fill area, and all soils observed were normal with no odors or visible signs of contamination. Samples were collected by the state's licensed site remediation professional and delivered to the laboratory for
testing. Lab results are expected in about 1 week with a full LSR report to follow shortly thereafter. Township representatives and project professionals were on site throughout the process to observe the work. An update to my last report regarding
the landfill closure. I've been in correspondence with our DEP representative. The Township has received acceptance letters for all five proposed parcels for donation. We are currently waiting for the finalization of title commitments and preliminary assessment reports on those parcels.
The DEP will then forward a donation agreement that will be formalized through Council resolution. This is significant progress. From our Recreation Department, the spring and summer recreation brochure is now available on the Township website under the Parks and Recreation
Department. Inside, you'll find information on the Summer Creative Kids Camp, our popular senior pool and water exercise programs, as well as many returning spring and summer favorites, also adding several new offerings. Programs are filling up quickly, so please call the office or register
online. All Township parks are fully open and ready for residents to enjoy. Thank you to our park staff for their ongoing hard work, maintenance, and dedication to keeping Sparta's parks, fields, and Township properties in great condition.
A couple of reminders on events. Wednesday, May 13th, from 9:30 to 11:00, a New Jersey property tax relief seminar will be held here in Council Chambers for senior homeowners, residents age 65 and over, for those receiving federal
Social Security or Railroad Retirement Disability benefits. Please call the Recreation Department Senior Division at 973-729-2383 to register. More information can be found on our website under News Flash. Saturday, May 16th, 9:00 a.m. to noon,
we'll have the annual trout fishing derby at the pond at Station Park. Registration is not required and there's no cost to attend, but we will be accepting donations to the local food pantry. Saturday, May 30th, 9:00 a.m. to noon, free paper shred and e-waste event, rain
or shine, here at the Town Hall lower parking lot. Further further information is available on the Township's website. Chief McCarrick will now be reading his report. This concludes my report. Thank you. Thank you, Manager Zepp. Thank you, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Council.
This past month, officers focused on distracted driving violations while on patrol. The department has received a $7,000 grant from the Division of Traffic Highway Safety to be used towards the efforts of Put the Phone Away or Pay national campaign. To date in April, our officers have worked a
total of 94 hours specifically towards this campaign, resulting in 236 motor vehicle stops, 72 motor vehicle summonses, and two arrests. Uh there is one more day left in the event, and um we'll be finishing that up. This past Sunday, the Sparta Police
Department organized and executed another successful Cram the Cruiser food drive event partnered with the Sparta Stop & Shop. Officers collected food, toiletry items, and cash while which were all turned over to the Sussex County food pantry. Thank you to the officers who assisted and specifically
and especially Sergeant Scott Elig and Officer Paul Winsor for organizing the event. Additionally, I would like to thank Dawn Flanders from the Sussex County Community College and her students involved with the Sussex County Criminal Justice Club program who volunteered their time to assist with the event.
And obviously, thank you to all the residents who who generously donated towards these efforts. Thursday, April 23rd, was National Take Your Child to Work Day. The Police Department organized this event on behalf of the Township departments. Approximately 20 of the Township's employees' children were able to
experience a fun-filled day all while learning about many the different the many different careers that are keep our great town of Sparta an amazing place to live. They didn't get to see the Council, though. And so, we gave them homework.
They're supposed to watch the Council meeting tonight. We'll see how that goes. >> Scary. But I want to thank you to Community Engagement Officer Elise Brown for organizing it on behalf of the Township, and also thank you to Manager Zepp for allowing us to do it. That concludes my report. Thank you. Thank you, Chief.
I can't believe you're going to torture all those little kids watching the council [laughter] meeting at that young age. >> We gave him a homework pass. Yeah, okay. Thank you. Thank you. I'm curious, the uh the the April crackdown on distracted driving, you mentioned there was a a large number of stops. Were they primarily or almost all for cell phone
usage? I can't give you the exact numbers from all the stops, but primarily that's what they were focusing on on the efforts for the stop. So, um the the uh the point is to educate and and issue summonses if if need be. Thank you.
Uh special congratulations to our two new firefighters. May I have a motion to accept the manager's report as presented? So moved. May I have a second? Second. All in favor, say I. I. I. Motion carried.
Okay, we're now on item four, our first open to the public segment. This is for items on the agenda, including the resolutions, but with the exceptions of ordinances, cuz again, ordinance hearings have their own public comment period. There will be a second public comment
period again later on in the meeting for items not on the agenda. Uh please state and spell your name for the record, and each speaker is limited to one comment of no more than 5 minutes, and no yielding to other speakers. Okay. Oh. It's the time to speak on the
resolutions if you have comments. >> Okay. Uh uh on the on the introductions of the resol- resolutions? >> Uh Or is that later? This is for resol- resolution that you mean ordinances? Yeah, well, the disabled vets.
That's okay. That's down the road? No, no, you can do that now. Cuz that's not a hearing, that's just a introduction. >> All right. Um I I I'm Ron Day, Sparta. I I wanted to talk on the uh disabled veteran property tax refund the retroactive look back.
Um the two reasons that I've heard on why we're we're we're eliminating [clears throat] this is number one, it's unaffordable. And number two, we're only one of two municipalities in the state that offer it. Um I've already shared my views on the
finance financial aspect of of the look back. Uh although I'd like to meet with the finance team if I could, so Jim, I'm going to put that request to you maybe before the next uh town council meeting. It'd be great if we could find a way to see why the two numbers are different.
Okay. Um so, tonight um rather than talk about the financial aspect, I want to refute the claim that Sparta is only one of two municipalities offering a a retroactive 24-month look back. There is no comprehensive list of
municipalities anywhere um that shows on a town-by-town basis what's what's approved by each town and and how much. Um if anyone can find one, I I please let me know. I I looked hard. Um word of caution everybody, don't rely
on web-based search engines or AI queries, cuz what you're going to find is just not accurate information out there. So, what I did is to get an accurate uh data point, I went to specific minutes municipalities and pulled down the actual online codes
and the and their ordinances. And here's what I found. Newton, Linwood, Edison, Galloway, and Voorhees, all permit retroactive refunds by ordinance for up to 20 24 months. So,
that's similar to what Sparta has right now. Um and that's all done by ordinance. Hopatcong doesn't have a specific ordinance, but appears that they approve multi-years by resolutions. So, what they give the tax assessor a little bit more flexibility where the ordinance
kind of bounds it. And I've got samples of those resolutions that I can show you. Um there may be more towns than the ones that I've listed, but as I as I said, you know, you you just there's no list out there. I went to towns that I thought were, you know, similar or of interest to us.
Um so, um you know, I I'll keep looking. Um Other municipalities offer extended look backs, which include current and prior years, but up to 12 months. Two examples of those towns include Vernon and Hillside.
Stanhope and Wall Township offer a current year look back up to 12 months, but requests must be made within the current year, but no crossover into prior years. Um As I said, Hopatcong and Franklin
both do it by resolution. Um and this again, they leave that to discretion, but there are cases where they've gone over multiple years. I've got a package that I'll give to Roxanne tonight that contains copies of the ordinances for all the towns and municipalities
that I mentioned that have disabled veterans refunds or refund ordinances relative to the retroactive period. It also includes copies of sample resolutions for Hopatcong and Franklin that don't have the ordinances. So, um
Roxanne, I'll give you that as soon as soon as I step down. Again, let me say this package is not intended to be all-inclusive. Uh so, let me bring it back to Sparta and what what what's being Is it an intro- an introduction tonight or a hearing? Introduction. Okay. So, the council is is going to
adopt is looking to um introduce an ordinance that reduces our disabled veterans eligibility from 24 months to to zero. Um is that what we want for our disabled vet- veterans? As a town, don't we want at least what's
offered to these other towns? Again, Newton, Vernon, Lake Hopatcong, Franklin, Stillwater, Wall Township, Edison, Galloway, Voorhees, Hillside, and other ones that that may have it that I didn't look at.
So, as council members, you said, you know, you represent not just the veterans, but everybody. So, I'm going to ask you tonight, please listen to everybody and see what they want to how we want to be represented in the town. I think you're going to hear have heard that the
people of the town want to see this funded. Find a way to see that this funded. So, please when it comes time to to vote, please vote no. There's a lot of data here. I think I think it's worth looking at again, making sure you've got the facts. I I I
think I've to me, I've successfully refuted the numbers. I don't think you guys would agree with that. Some may, some won't. I'm willing to have that discussion. I think tonight we've refuted the other thing is is we're one of two two municipalities. We're not that unusual in what we're doing currently.
Thank you. Thank you. My name is Joseph Lavabera, and I'm from Stillwater. I'm not from Sparta, but my kids go to school here. But my community of combat veterans, many of them do exist in Sparta. Shakespeare said, "He who sheds his blood with me today will forever be my brother, be he ever so
vile." To this day, no combat veteran ever turns his back on one another. I'm going to speak a little emotional today. I'm not going to talk about finances or dollars and cents and all those things. The financial predicament this town is in is not the fault of its
combat veterans. It's not the fault of those who went and killed and risked their lives for their country. And we didn't just risk our lives for our country, we go into actions where we really believe we're going to die. I have met of act Americans as young as 18 years old. I've watched them bleed, and
I've watched them scream for their mothers. I have shot people, and I have dropped bombs on people in service of my country. I have seen Americans crack psychologically. I've seen Americans die in battle, and I've also served side by
side with Iraqi soldiers and Afghan policemen, and I've seen the human trauma of those countries. I have rescued women in burkas sitting on the road hoping a car runs them over because they've been thrown out by their families in the middle of busy streets.
We've done medcaps where we've gone to these most remote locations, fixed gangrene, plague, diseases that you guys have only read in books, and we lost men while we did it. We fought the longest war in American
history. Fallujah, Ramadi, Baghdad, I served myself in the triangle of death, a 15-month deployment in southwest Baghdad. You want to talk about cracking? I've seen grown men start screaming and yelling at each other and breaking down.
Yet we had pride, and we had discipline, and we came home, and we integrated back in. I didn't know until 15, no, 16 years into my military career that I was even entitled to a pension. If you add up the hours and the stress we get from a military career, you'd be
amazed that we're still standing here and talking to you. Many veterans can't work. Many veterans are in therapy for long periods of time. And the concept and the identity of veteran is not I'm a sad sack who needs a handout. It's No, I want to get back to work. I want to integrate. I want to
lead in our society. Giving a veteran a refund for his taxes to me is a small way to say thank you for your service. Because this veteran left a piece of his soul and a piece of his heart, if not actual blood, in a
foreign country for this country. To get a 100% disability is like getting struck by lightning. It is not common. It is very difficult for a veteran to get a 100% disability. Once you get this disability, the state of New Jersey says you don't have to pay a property tax. So, middle-income
veterans can live in a wealthy state affordably. We talk a lot about affordable housing. A veteran with a 100% get gets affordable housing. Now, we have the wealthiest town in Sussex County. And the wealthiest town in Sussex County is saying, "Thanks
for your service. Oh, by the way, yeah, we're just not going to give it to you." And that's fine. That's fine. But, consider this. Consider at least giving part of a reach back. 3 months, 5 months. You have no idea. It's not just the cash infusion. Trust me. It's the fact that my
community neighbors and the people I live with, the people I have made my home with that I'm putting I'm raising my children among are saying, "Thank you for your service." It's the gesture. It is the gesture. Do this for us. Do this for those who
were willing to die so a 9/11 would never happen again. I was in Kosovo on 9/11 and I remember it like it was yesterday. All we had was a transistor radio. My commander said, "Call stand to." Stand to means 100 people 100% in position. We were shot at that night. And then we went back onto the ship. We
were in the Marine Corps at the time and we went and we knew we were going to war for the rest of our lives. And we did. Two decades two decades of constant deployments. No roots, no connections, no building up equity, no savings plan, two weeks of
constant deployments. And few people in the military retire and get pensions. It's a steep pyramid and it's a ruthless attrition rate. You get a guy who comes back with no pension or nothing and the VA says, "Guess what, guys? We're going to give you a little bit of money each month." When that happens and the state
of New Jersey generously says, "Hey, we're going to not even make you pay a property tax and we're not going to make you beg for it like other states." We feel proud and we feel honored like we're members of this community. You give a few dollars back to a veteran, that's saying thank you for your service. That's all I have to say.
Thank you. So, Jen Rogoff, and that's a hard act to follow, but I do have a few things to say. And that is when this was introduced at the end of last year, there was a lot of suggestions that came from the people in this room and the people in this
community. And I know that people were listening because I know um just a recent council meeting, Mr. Scott, you at during new business introduced some additional language. You looked at different options. Do I want to see this voted no? Absolutely. Do I want to see
some compromise? If if that's the only answer, then yes. And, you know, you hear me up here talking at the microphone at most council meetings. What you don't see is my husband, who is an honorable veteran who couldn't be here tonight because he has a volunteer commitment in this community. But, what
he did do was ask me to read this on his behalf. So, members of the Sparta Town Council, what is happening here is not a gray area. It's not a judgment call. The denial of veterans tax looks back benefits is wrong, plain and simple.
These benefits are not favors. They are earned rights backed by law and grounded in a basic promise that those who have served this country will be treated with fairness and respect when they come home. Instead, this council is choosing to deny those benefits while the town
struggles with the consequences consequences of its own financial mismanagement and mounting legal expenses. Let's be clear about what that means. You are asking veterans to pay the price for decisions they did not make and failures they did not create.
That is purely unacceptable. Veterans upheld their end of the bargain through deployments, through sacrifice, through service that most of this room will never fully understand. And now, when it is time for this town to uphold its end, you are turning that obligation
into a line item to be cut. That is not fiscal responsibility. That is deflection. If Sparta is facing financial strain, then the solution is to address the root causes, mismanagement, poor oversight, costly legal entanglements,
costly expenditures, not to strip the benefits from the very people who have already given more than enough. You are setting a precedent tonight, one that says commitments to veterans can be ignored when they become inconvenient, one that tells every service member and
every family in this community that their sacrifices are only honored when the budget allows. That is not the message that Sparta should send. You have a choice. Correct this decision. Honor both the law and the obligation to
our veterans and begin restoring trust or continue down a path that shifts the burden of failure onto those least deserving of it. Thank you. My name is Kenneth Thorstein. I'm here with my service dog, Granite. He's also a vet.
Came out of California from another vet who passed away very suddenly. I got her in the year 2023. I am here to talk about veterans needs and problems. My experience and credentials to cover
veterans talks, I'm going to say now. I'm an Army vet 69-70. I did engineering. I wasn't a combat soldier. I had a secret security clearance, so they didn't know what to do with me. I also worked for Picatinny Arsenal for
41 years. I worked in tank ammo and light weapons branch. So, I worked in all sorts of weapons. Over the years, my team that I worked with developed many weapons such as for the soldier in the field, such as
the smooth skin hand grenade, brand new in 1967. The sniper rifle to blow away people who are trying to come through a a stop with a car cuz the M16 and M4 wouldn't do it.
The M4 was made to replace the M16. They're all called AR-15 rifles. They're not. They're They have their own numbers. So, very experience in talk about weapons with vets is what I can do.
For 3 years, I volunteered with the Quillan Hospice in Fredon. I was brought in to talk and comfort vets and also other patients because it worked great in bringing Remy the dog along was a good icebreaker.
It calmed everybody down instantly. Especially family members who were there watching their loved ones die. I saw over 100 vets in hospice. They didn't leave by walking out.
And homes, I went to homes. They let out many frustrations about life. Some had physical disabilities or mental issues. Being a vet, they talked to me. That's why I was brought in. That's what talk to vets cuz they
understand. Many had trouble with holding and getting jobs because of their disabilities. They still have that problem. So, they had problems with money and socialization. I could tell some real stories I heard.
I eventually stopped going to the hospice because it got to me. I became friends with a lot of people and then the next day you go in and they're not there. In 2024, Parker Space and Representative Josh
Gottheimer and others in the county made me the Senior of the Year at the Fairgrounds. This is big honor. A lot of it was for the volunteering I do with vets plus other things in the town of Lafayette. I am a member of the Legion Post 86 in
Newton. Once a month, I attend a PTSD meeting at the post with Remy. Here again, I hear vets letting stories out and complaining about military related health issues and finance.
During the Vietnam era, vets were treated badly, my time when I was in. They were spit on, called names, and much more. One was run over and killed by Fort Monmouth when I was there. Today, people thank me for my service,
even buy you coffee. Big difference. And in public, they have events, you are given pins. It's an honor to get these from people cuz they thank you. Tonight, I ask you to keep any benefits vets get.
They need any help when disabled they can get. You're 100% disabled, you need any help. They earned them the hard way. On the back of my truck, I have a flag banner. I designed it.
For 250th anniversary. On the bottom of the flag it says, 250 years of freedom. Thanks to veterans. No fancy glitch. It's honoring the vets for 250 years.
Not counting anything else. My statement here tonight is to honor all vets and be patriotic. I ask you to do the same. Thank you. Cannon Remy. Thank you. Joanne Scalli, Sparta, New Jersey. Um, I
have a long line, as I said before, of military veterans in my family. Um, one of my uncles is buried over in France, um, during World War II. Um, these people suffered. Not just my family, all veterans. And I ask you to please,
um, vote no tonight. Um, there must be other ways you can find money. Um, again, I read, um, in one of the comments someone wrote, um, a letter to the editor about this, um, street cleaner. Why can't we put that off a couple years? That's 500,000 right
there, um, we could save toward it. So, there's so many ways you should look to find this money for these veterans. Um, Joe's, um, speech gave me the chills when he came up and spoke to you. And we should all have um, the chills from
everyone speaking here. They're veterans do deserve respect. And by giving them something 3 years ago and then taking it away because of whatever mismanagement or whatever went, these lawsuits, which I believe should be settled.
Um, they don't deserve to be knocked around, kicked around, um, and balancing your budget off their backs. They gave their lives, they gave, um, limbs, they gave their minds, they all sorts of things. They're poisoned
over there, their bodies are poisoned, um, from being in the war with, um, different things going on, fire pits, all different things. So, it's not just, um, being blown up or whatever there, it's other things, the PTSD. If you ever talk to someone with
PTSD, it's troubling, it's sad. And they fought to get the 100% and then to be kicked in the butt and kicked down because you guys chose to spend your money not financially conservatively. Please don't take it out on our
veterans. Please vote no, um, or table this tonight and go back over on some of these things that people suggested here tonight. Well, thank you. Thank you. Good evening. Pete Litchfield, Sparta,
New Jersey. L I T C H F I E L D. Uh, going through some of the records at the at the VA, I found that the average veteran that receives 100% disability, his his average death age is 68 years
old. Women are 63. So, this 2-year money that you're giving these people, it's just a little stipend. When I was in Vietnam, '67, '68, at the case on, we were surrounded by 50,000 NVA, 5,000 of us for 73 days, getting hit with
artillery day and night. Thank God I came home. I'm not 100% disabled. I respect all my brothers. I had friends of mine to this day, they still say, "Sergeant Litchfield, you were sitting here, you were eating this."
These people are crazy. And it wasn't because of their choice, it just happens. And to give somebody 2 years, why don't you just uh, what about uh, paying off our legal fees? I don't I never hear anything about cutting that back.
You know, we this if you're going to be fair to everybody in town, let's do it. Mr. Clark, last year you said, uh, "April, the town will be well represented in its lawsuit and so will every individual being sued."
I haven't seen how much that has cost us so far. And all I hear is, "Well, it's still in litigation." But those numbers have to be available. You want to take these stipends away from people. Uh, that's all I'm here to is fight for my brothers that can't do it themselves.
2 years. It's it's it's if that's going to break us, we should have been doing something 3 and 1/2 years ago to stop this. Thank you. Thank you. I have a question for the My name is Rudy Bethmann. I live on
Conestoga Trail in Sparta, New Jersey. I have a question for the council members. Just raise your hands if you served. Anybody serve? Then you have no idea what it's like.
I served the 82nd Airborne in Dominican Republic in 1965. In Vietnam with the 101st Airborne. And I did two tours in Afghanistan with special forces.
You guys have no idea what it takes to get 100%. It took me 5 years when I got out of the army. When I got out of the army, they gave me 90%.
Took the VA 5 years. And that's because they put me out on disability and the state was paying disability to me. And they finally decided that, "Yeah,
okay." So, you have no idea. I've killed people. And I served my country. Is this the United States?
Then you guys could put it on a ballot and let the voters decide in Sparta whether they want to support the vets. That's all I have to say.
Thank you. Okay, seeing no one, we'll close the Sure. I I wanted to make sure that all the veterans had an opportunity, so I didn't disrupt that. Um, so I want to talk about >> please, sir. Oh, sorry. David Fortunato, Sparta, New Jersey.
Um, I want to talk about 2609, but I I understood that this was to talk about resolutions, but 812 and 2609 are um, interrelated to each other. >> 2609, you have to wait for the hearing of the ordinance to discuss that. >> Okay. Yeah, because that each hearing has its own
So, whenever the hearing happens for that, that's when the time is to comment on ordinances up for hearing. So, I can talk to 812 though, resolution 812? Uh, resolution? 812? I I don't think we have resolution 812
tonight. Uh, ordinance 812? No. No. I don't think we have a a 12 on there. And so, and ordinance 2609 is not tonight? It is. >> Later. That's later. If and when the when the hearing if and when the hearing happens, it's during the hearing. Okay.
Thank you. Thank you. Jenny Derecktor, Sparta. Just had a clarifying question for resolution 88. This is about the trails. Um, two clarifying questions, actually. Um, can This has a name,
trail phase one, but it says Iron Horse Trails phase one. Is that That's different than the one trail that had already been discussed? Is that correct? And in the resolution, in the resolution it states labor, signs, and design,
surveying, and engineering are free. Who's uh, the town is working for free on this? No. Uh, we have a member of our trails committee, Doug Dijkstra, who's a certified and licensed surveyor, who is donating his time as an in-kind
contribution. And in-kind contributions, um, are count toward the township's, um, expenses toward the the trail. So, he's our he's our surveyor. Survey work has to be done. >> Right, but it also specifies labor
signs design are all also free or from the Township. In the resolution, it says all that. Yeah, the the labor is we're speaking of is respect to Mr. Dijkstra. So it it doesn't have to do
with actually doing the work to clear the trail or or make any markers. >> the grant. The grant is doing that. Okay. >> doing that and we'll have to hire um an outside person to do that. Okay, so all of the things that are noted in the resolution that are free are coming
related to the work done by Mr. Dijkstra. Yes. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Okay, seeing none we'll close this uh portion of the meeting open to the public. So moving on to expenditures. Uh Deputy
Mayor Sylvester, would you uh please read the expenditures for tonight? Yes, expenditures as of April 28th, 2026 totals $312,152.24. Okay, I have a motion to approve those, please. So moved.
Have a second? I'll second. All in favor of approving the expenditures for April 28th, 2026, say I. I. >> I. Any opposed? All right, motion has carried, they've been approved. Now we move on to introduction of
ordinances. Uh just as a reminder, during introductions there is uh no debate or discussion um by the council and there's no hearing portion. The hearing happens usually 2 weeks later, and that's when the ordinances uh are opened up to the public for comments and the dias can
discuss them. So 2606, an ordinance amending chapter 2, administration article 11, taxation and revenue of the revised general ordinances of the Township of Sparta amending section 2-62,
100% disabled veteran tax refunds. May have a motion to introduce 2606. So moved. Uh which one? I heard two. Mark, did you motion? Okay. >> Second. Uh Mark, you want to second? >> Second.
Okay, may I have a roll call vote, please? Councilman Scott. Yeah. Councilwoman Murphy. Yes. Councilman Clark. Yes. Deputy Mayor Sylvester. No. Mayor Blumetti. Yes. Okay, that ordinance has been
introduced. Mayor Blumetti, may I just like to thank everyone that came out here tonight to support our veterans. Appreciate all your all your comments and your support for our veterans and your concerns about this ordinance.
I've been consistent since November. I'm sorry. I need the the public needs to see you. No, no, no, we we can't get into the debate of the ordinance this introduction. It's supposed to be no comments. A thank you is wonderful and that's appropriate, but getting into the content we can't do that tonight.
>> I voted no tonight for you all of you cuz this should never be up here. >> Okay, Mike. Okay, thank you. Okay. 2607 An ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the Township of Sparta amending chapter
18 entitled comprehensive land management code of the Township of Sparta code to amend section 18-4.21 entitled C-1H community commercial historic zone. Uh just as
a reminder that Councilwoman Murphy and Councilman Scott um have recused themselves from this matter. And Mayor, my firm is recused as well from this And Attorney Dash as well. So may I have a motion, please, to introduce ordinance 2607.
So moved. May I have a second? I will second. Okay, Madam Clerk, can I have a roll call vote, please? Councilman Clark. Yes. Deputy Mayor Sylvester. No. Mayor Blumetti. Yes.
Okay, that ordinance has been introduced. Moving on to 2608 An ordinance amending chapter 20, sewer and sewage disposal, section 20-2.5 sewer rates of the revised ordinances of the Township of Sparta
Sussex County, New Jersey May have a motion to introduce ordinance 2608. So moved. May I have a second? 2608 is about the sewer. Yeah. Second. Madam Clerk, may I have a roll call vote, please? Councilman Scott.
>> Yes. Councilwoman Murphy. Yes. Councilman Clark. Yes. Deputy Mayor Sylvester. >> Yes. Mayor Blumetti. Yes. So ordinance 2608 has been introduced. Now we're moving on to hearings of ordinances.
Ordinance 2609 An ordinance of the Township of Sparta, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey to amend chapter 18 entitled comprehensive land management code by amending section 18-4.8 districts
by the addition of a new zone town center inclusionary housing two also known as TC 1H-2 by adding section 18-4.39 entitled town center inclusionary
housing two, ECIH2 IIH2 and by amending the zoning map to show the new zone boundaries for block 5024 lot 10. Uh Councilwoman Murphy and Councilman Scott have recused themselves from this matter
as as Attorney Dash. Right. Uh this one is somewhat unique. I'm not recused from this one. >> this one, okay. So there have been uh further developments regarding affordable housing matters and an extension uh from the judge in the court
system. Uh therefore the hearing on this is premature. Unless if there's anything else that uh Attorney Dash wanted to add to that or Yeah, no, that that that's effectively it. This this ordinance as well as 2610 has been the subject of ongoing
litigation in the affordable housing matter that Sparta is participating in and because of the challenges that have been filed by the various uh challengers and developers that pertain
to each of these ordinances, the court has extended Sparta's immunity and time period to resolve these challenges until at least July 1st and because of that, it would not be appropriate for the council to consider these ordinances at
this time while the challenges are open and so the recommendation is to have this ordinance tabled until further um resolution in the courts. Thank you. We need a motion. >> So yeah, I'd like to I'll make a motion
to table ordinance 2609. May I have a second? I'll second. Madam Clerk, may I have a roll call vote? Councilman Scott. I recused. Um Councilwoman uh Councilman Clark.
Yes. Deputy Mayor Sylvester. Yes. Mayor Blumetti. Yes. So ordinance 2609 has been tabled. Moving on to 2610 An ordinance of the Township of Sparta, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey to
amend chapter 18 entitled comprehensive land management code by amending section 18-4.8 districts by the addition of new zone town center inclusionary housing otherwise known as TC 1H-1
by adding section 18-4.38 entitled town center inclusionary housing one, TCIH1 by amending the zoning map to show the new zone boundaries for a portion of block 10002 lot 61
and by amending section 18-4.28 for the existing town center professional business TCPB zone to remove certain permitted uses. Uh for this one, Deputy Mayor Sylvester has recused himself from this matter
um as just discussed due to the evolution of the affordable housing matters and litigation and the extension of the date uh the hearing on this is also premature, so I'll make a motion to table ordinance 2610. May I have a second? Second.
Uh Madam Clerk, may I have a roll call vote excluding Deputy Mayor Sylvester? Councilman Scott. Yes. Councilwoman Murphy. Yes. Councilman Clark. Yes. Mayor Blumetti. Yes. So ordinance 26-10 has been tabled.
Um moving on to resolutions. I will start by uh what I had just said in reference to the affordable housing timeline being extended and the evolution of some of the matters. So, I am making a motion to table resolution 8-7,
which is related to the adoption of an amended fourth round housing element and fair share plan. May I have a second, please? Second. Okay, all in favor to tabling 8-7, say I. I.
I. Any opposed? Abstain. Okay, resolution 8-7 has been tabled. So, now for the rest of the resolutions, I plan to carve out and handle individually resolutions 8-1 and 8-2. Would any other
council members like to carve out any of the remaining to handle separately? Carve out 8.8 -8, please. Okay. Okay. May I have a motion, please, to approve resolutions 8-3
through 8-6, inclusive. So moved. May I have a second? Second. All in favor, say I. I. I. Any opposed? 8-3 through 8-6 have been approved. Okay, now moving on to resolution 8-1.
This is a resolution to introduce the 2026 municipal budget by title only. May I have a motion to approve 8-1. So moved. May I have a second? At this time, Tom Manager Zappala, would you like to read the statement? Thank you, Mayor.
I just want to take this opportunity to just give a statement on the introduction of the budget for this year. It is my privilege to present the proposed 2026 municipal budget for Sparta Township. This budget reflects months of collaboration, careful analysis, and
thoughtful planning by our department heads, finance team, and staff. As always, our focus is to ensure that Sparta continues to receive the high-quality services our community expects while maintaining a fiscally responsible and forward-thinking approach. Adopted a fiscally compliant municipal
budget is one of the most important responsibilities of any governing body. It must [snorts] meet statutory requirements, support essential services, and demonstrate our commitment to responsible stewardship of the taxpayers' funds. The 2026 budget has been crafted with
these principles guiding every decision. The introduced 2026 budget totals $32,662,020. That's an increase of $1,047,918 or 3.16% over last year. The primary driver of this increase is a
significant multi-year rise in healthcare costs for the Township's 190 employees and retirees. Employee salaries, pensions, and benefits now account for nearly 65% of the total municipal budget. Additional major cost pressures include
the required repayment of the 2025 emergency appropriation, the estimated cost associated with the veteran tax look-back benefit, the continued subsidiation of the sewer utility, inflation and rising energy costs impacting Township operations, just to
name a few. As a result of these increases, the municipal tax rate is proposed to rise from 0.618 to 0.685, which equates to an increase of 10.76% for the average assessed home in Sparta
valued at $372,660. This represents approximately $249.68 annually or $20.81 per month. Compounding these pressures, Sparta's net assessment ratables have decreased for the second consecutive year.
This reduction limits our ability to offset rising operating costs with the additional revenue and presents an added challenge to maintaining long-term financial stability. This year's budget has been the most challenging in my 25 years in Sparta. In order to present a balanced budget
that remains within the state's mandated caps, many difficult, necessary adjustments were made. Significant cuts and reductions include elimination of the 2026 capital improvement plan, generating approximately $1.8 million in savings.
Unfortunately, this will limit the number of roads that are paved, delayed critical equipment replacements for public works, parks, and the police department. Implementation of a hiring freeze and cancellation of cost of living increases for all non-union employees.
Restructuring restriction of overtime to all to only what is essential for maintaining operations, suspension of Township contributions to community organizations that host public events or provide ancillary services, again, just to name a few.
Budget handouts with the additional details and analysis are available on the Township website for residents who wish to learn more. I would like to thank the Mayor and Council for your guidance throughout this process. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to our department heads who have worked diligently to
scrutinize expenditures and help to achieve [clears throat] a responsible, balanced budget under very difficult circumstances. I remain optimistic that this will be the most challenging year we face in the near term and that new revenue opportunities on the horizon will help prevent future budgets from impacting
services at this level. Sparta is a community built on excellence, pride, and accountability. This proposed budget reflects those values and we continue working together to move our Township forward. Thank you. Thank you, Town Manager.
Madam Clerk, may I have a roll call vote to approve resolution 8-1? Councilman Scott. Yes. Yes. Councilwoman Murphy. Yes. Councilman Clark. Yes. Deputy Mayor Sylvester. Yes. Mayor Blumetti. Yes.
Resolution 8-1 has been approved. Budget has been introduced. When will that be put on the agenda next next agenda? It'll be on for hearing. It'll have to be has to be a 28-day or 30-day waiting period. So, what date's
that? May 26th. May 26th. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Resolution 8-2, resolution authorizing tax collector to issue the premium on a certain property. May I have a motion to approve 8-2 and then there's a couple questions coming
up. Motion first, please. I'll make a motion to approve resolution 8-2. May I have a second? Second. Okay, Town Manager Zappala, can you please share a little bit more of context or explanation about 8-2? Sure.
Basically, what this means is that a tax sale was held by the Township. The winning bidder paid a premium of $197,000. The bidder or lien holder later foreclosed and took title of the property. Under the New Jersey statute,
when the lien holder takes title through foreclosure, the premium is then transferred or turned over to the Township. This resolution authorizes the tax collector to release the premium and the CFO will recognize it as miscellaneous revenue not anticipated or commonly
known as Merna for inclusion in next year's budget. So, this is not common, unfortunately. We would like to have more of these premium sales, but this is a positive transaction for the Township.
Okay, I think I think we covered this. I asked you earlier, but again, that this these dollars legally cannot be used this year to put towards the budget or any programs. Have to wait till next year. Correct. Any other questions or comments in the dais? Okay, all in favor of approving
resolution 8-2, say I. I. I. Any opposed? Okay, 8-2 has been approved. And finally, resolution 8-8, resolution of the governing body of the Township of Sparta, County of Sussex, State of New Jersey, endorsing a trails grant application by the Township to the
County Trails Grant Program. May I have a motion to approve 8-8? So moved. May I have a second? Second. Any comments, questions? Yeah, I just had a one or two. So, Councilman Clark, I know I think you explained
Jenny covered some of the questions regarding the mechanics of the grant, but I think it'd be helpful for the public to understand once again it's a $25,000 grant through the county with a $2,500 match, which is being
donated by Dijkstra Services. So, there's no matching component to the Township or expense to the Township. But just to so the so the community knows, what does that $25,000 get us? Like what I know there was some
general scope, so there was design this or that. Where do you think that money will be initially spent on this particular project if awarded the grant? Yeah, so the we intend with the $25,000 to complete it's a trail that will run from the
terminus of the Paulinskill Valley Trail, which is by Sunset Inn Road in Lafayette and then goes into Sparta up to Denville. So, right now Sparta does not have access from Sparta to the Paulinskill Trail. And so, what this
will do is to allow the trail so that Sparta people have access to it. So, and we intend with that 25,000 to cover the cost of of doing that. And so, the the
uh, grant has to be submitted May 15th, and one of the requirements is just to have a resolution from this council to approve applying for the grant. But again, you were correct, there will be no
cash outlay by the township. What they do require is some kind of contribution, and it can be in kind. And what in kind means is you're not paying cash. You can be donate services. And we are very fortunate to have a credentialed surveyor Doug
Dijkstra on there, and there is survey work required for this. So, we're very fortunate that he has donated his time to that, and that counts toward the 10%. All right, great. Thank you for clarifying it the [clears throat] uh, project site. Thank you.
Yeah, thank you. Okay. >> Thank you, John. Okay, all in favor of approving resolution 8-8, say I. I. I. Any opposed? 8-8 has been approved. Okay, moving on now to the second open to the public segment. This is for items
not on the agenda. So, items not on the agenda, please state and spell your name for the record. Each speaker is limited to one comment of no more than 5 minutes and no yielding of time to another person. Jen Rogoff again. I just wanted to say thank you very much to Deputy Mayor
Sylvester. You ran a campaign people over politics. The people spoke, you listened, you honored us, and we appreciate you. To the rest of you, your pet projects, I'd like to see them paused. Congratulations on your bed and breakfast. Congratulations on your
trails. Congratulations on all of your legal fees. I'm disappointed to say the least, but I do appreciate your effort, sir. We appreciate you, and the town knows where your heart is. Thank you, Deputy Mayor. Thank you. Joanne Scally, Sparta. Um, also want to
thank you, Councilman Sylvester, and I am very disappointed in the other four who voted to pass this along after you heard such heartbreaking stories, especially from I'm not sure the man's name, Joe.
Um, it gave me shivers, and to think that you could possibly vote yes after hearing these stories is heartbreaking. And again, with Jen um, having pet projects, I kind of agree with her.
Um, and everyone up here should be ashamed, and the voters will remember this come November and in 2 years from now, following November. Thank you. We will not forget. Thank you. Thank you. Just as a reminder, this uh, open public
segment is intended for items not on the agenda. Anyone else? Oh, wait. Okay. I I just a real quick question. Um, the uh, town manager mentioned that the budget's going to be posted on the website. So, I looked I looked what's
there now posted for the introduction. It's it's a the summary. Um, prior years we've gotten the full budget, the full packages. That's what Is that what's going to be posted? If so, when? Yes. Well, the the CFO just finished it today, and we got the handouts available just today. So, it it
is last minute, and I put it up as soon as I had that. More details of the budget that's being sent to the state. Once we we get that, it'll it'll be posted. I will have that up as soon as I >> introduce it to introduce it, you're supposed to have the full budget available to the public.
That's not happening. So, when when when will that be done? It's done. I'll I'll let the public have it. It's done. As soon as I can get my hands on it. >> That's not that's all I'm I'm going to turn to the council and say, is that a proper introduction? >> the budget that gets
I I'm going to disagree. I think from an open public perspective, we you know, you're supposed to give us the information that we need to understand the actions being taken without having that budget. And it's required to be available to the public immediately. That's not happening. This
is a introduction to tonight's hearing. >> I'm for the introduction to introduce it. There's certain things that are supposed to happen. That did not happen tonight. So, so again, another dis- disappointing aspect of tonight. Thank you. I mean, just to clarify, Mr. Dash, is
that accurate? Or I mean, could we research the procedural process to I'm not questioning your judgment as well, but could we get some legal clarification? Or at least one, get this posted. Two, get a go legal clarification and citation to the
process, so the public's aware and we're following the right procedures. Yes, we can do that. I appreciate it. Thank you. Hello. My name is Jared Shirello. And I'm actually here for like the veterans, I'm here for a selfish reason, admittedly, but I hope that everyone can relate to it as it
pertains to you as well. Um, while I was driving home, I noticed something that had the same feeling in my gut like seeing an invasive species for the first time, or like seeing a sick patient with a disease that you don't know what it is. I saw a Flock camera a short walk
away from my house that observes the route that I take to the highway. These cameras are run by a private company with a lot of governmental connections as well. And I'll be entirely honest with you, when I was researching them, I would best describe it as opaque, and I would best
describe everything I found as being contradicted by something else somewhere else. Uh, these this company inherently is a mass data collection company that on a size and scale hasn't been seen in this country to my knowledge other than in
fiction movies like The Terminator or books like 1984. It's essentially a mass camera unified network of one data collection, one organized group of information that can then be parsed through collectively be it via
artificial intelligence or any sort of software firm, it doesn't really matter. The point is is that there is we're taking the toothpaste out of the tube here. We can't really put it back. Once all this information is collected about where everyone lives, where they go to
work, where they like to drive, what people they like to visit, their daily habits, whether you can see them on their in their car as well if they have passengers, if it's them with the with the facial recognition that these
cameras are capable of. Or even then for alternative uses, I saw an article in Georgia, apparently a man was charged with a traffic ticket of looking at his phone. It was identified via a Flock camera and and potentially identified via AI. I'll be honest with
you again, I found a lot of uh, vague information about this. But, um, really my question is, why do we have this in our town? Uh, I understand that it can benefit us in some ways, but those seem to be
truisms to me in the same way that mass surveillance can inherently benefit as many other countries with more authoritarian governments would adhere that mass surveillance benefits them. That is true to that truism extent. But, my question
is how does this not, because the way that I interpret this, it does, how does this not violate my Fourth Amendment right? And for everyone, I'd like to read the Fourth Amendment just so that the wording is familiar with us.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or
affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you. Are we aware of this? Yeah, I wanted to ask, um, and if you don't have the
answers tonight, that's perfectly fine, but either our town manager, our chief, our attorney, a reflection or any experience or comments on this camera or these cameras in our town. So, I know the council is well aware. We have discussed this several times
in reference to automated license plate readers readers. And um, council did approve resolution accepting the grant, and also we had discussed on what was going up. So, as far as I'm not really reminded of a violation of a First Amendment, I think
that's what your question was is that you're not being seized or searched with these cameras. What a automated license plate reader is, it captures an image of a license plate that is in public view. Does not see inside the vehicles. Does not take pictures inside the vehicles. I can't
speak for other states. I believe you mentioned Georgia, um, but um, I can't speak for other states. Why do we have them in our town? They're a tool for investigative purposes. So, whether we're investigating crime, um, and I could give you a small example.
A lot of people have cameras, uh, Nest cameras, Ring cameras, so on and so forth. Let's say we have a burglary. Uh, we we look into that, and we see a vehicle that may be involved in the burglary, but we can't make out what a plate is.
Um, this would be um, an option for us to be able to go in and do a query and and further our investigation with the vehicle description. Um also what's another big part of uh license plate readers is to assist
with um a lot of the daily activities that law enforcement often deals with. Um specifically individuals suffering from medical conditions such as Alzheimer's patients who get in their vehicles, nobody get a hold of them. Um we could put out a bolo to say, "Hey,
ABC 123, this person is Alzheimer's patient. Let's get them into uh you know, any kind of medical needs that they may have and get them off the roadway." Suicidal individuals, sometimes we have individuals who make statements, they take off, we know what they're driving. Again, we're able to
put that out, locate the vehicle and get them the medical help that they need. Missing people. Um across the country. You're missing, something's going into NCIC, we're we're able to bounce off of a license plate or any kind of vehicle and you know,
describe with that. We are able to get an alert if that that is in the area of a license plate reader. Uh stolen vehicles, we know there's a huge issue across the state with stolen vehicles. Um if there's a stolen vehicle in our town that hits off a plate, we're able to
try to go intercept that vehicle and and do what we need to. Um and then again, vehicles involved in specific crimes. So um they've been up um since December 2025. All the license plate readers. Um
so this process started with the state of New Jersey wanting to combat some of the areas that I mentioned. They put out a grant, we were awarded the grant in 2023 for $68,000. That was brought to the count council, I believe. Councilman Chirello at the time
was also involved with that. And I think that there was um a point where the state had taken into consideration what vendors could be used in New Jersey. Those vendors had to be vetted and it was a very strenuous process which took
a long time. Um which brings us to why you know, was it 2025 two years later. A lot of time we were waiting on the vendors. What we did in Sparta is we research vendors, got quotes. Uh the vendor that we chose was Flock which was best for our township and our needs.
Um we spoke with county uh local and state officials for the permitting process on the right-of-ways and actually the cameras actually have to even if it's in a township right-of-way, have to be deconflicted and approved by the state of New Jersey prior to
any kind of installation. Uh once all those permits and everything were done, installs happen and then now on our end, even prior to that, training, training of officers. There's different facets that we have to go through as officers to be able to even utilize the
system to search uh the the system for a plate or for a vehicle. Um after that, auditing. Um there is checks and balances that that we have to go through. We have to do audits every year. Those audits are
sent to the county prosecutor's office and the state of New Jersey who also do audits of their own. Additionally, the systems themselves, Flock also has to go through audits audits, excuse me. Uh data storage, I believe that's something Mr.
Chirello had mentioned um is the company's a part of the vetting process, they have to be able to save the data for the the time that the the state allows for. Three years of purging unless it's associated with an
investigation or a crime. And then it would um stick with the statute of limitations for evidence collection and uh and the cases. Um privacy, again, um the
images are being captured from public view. So it's no different from anybody coming through this parking lot here and looking at a license plate and saying, "That's a license plate, that's a license plate." and reading the number off it. It only captures images from um
from public view. Um they're not at houses, uh they're seeing what's on the roadways. Any questions? Yeah, so um and if if we need to kind of go back and forth offline and come back again next meeting, that's fine too, but how many
do we have in Sparta? 13. 13, okay. And I guess one thing I would be curious to know is uh you mentioned the intention that they just look at license plate readers. Um No, they look at license plate image they capture license plate images. Okay, how do do we
how do we know that they're not capturing if it's if it's run by a private company, who controls the data, who controls what other data it picks up in terms of things beyond license plates? Like I said, this this the the companies that were chosen, they had to go through a whole
What's the word I'm looking for? They had to be approved by the state of New Jersey before they're even allowed to be a vendor in New Jersey. And so the state governs it. This is is governed by the Attorney General's office to the state police. There's a a series of audits through Flock system itself. There's a series of
audits through our department which goes to the county prosecutor's office to the state police. They look at our audits, they do their own audits and so it's a lot of checks and balances there. Okay. And and um not putting on the spot, but besides our
officers who are township employees, who else uh would have access to the data? If it lasts for 3 years, you know. Only law enforcement officers that are authorized to use the systems. And again, that goes with the specific
trainings that you have to go by. Uh we have policy and procedure that we have to have in place before we actually had those installed. Okay. And this was from a previous grant in 2024, 23? >> This was a grant from 2023. Yeah. It's
put out by the state and again due to the nature of the seriousness and all the you know, the concerns that the public has, the state took the stance that we have to ensure that the companies that are coming in, the vendors that are coming in are reputable companies that are going to abide by what is needed for
for the state of New Jersey and the Attorney General guidelines. Okay. Um also if you want to go on and find out more information, uh New Jersey Office of Attorney General website. Um I think it's njag.gov.
And then you would just keyword search ALPR. Gives you a whole rundown of everything. I know I did make the public aware of this. I made I know I made the the council aware of this. Um and I have fielded some questions, but if anybody
has any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me email jmcarrick@spartapd.org. I'll be happy to answer any questions. And um could we get a copy of the contract for which Flock must abide by?
I think what I understand the concern is is that Flock can make updates to this their system whereby it can do more than it's currently doing now. Right? It can expand its surveillance ability beyond
the scope of what we understood we were agreeing to. And so I think what we would have to look at is you know, we you know, part what is Flock going to do? I think another concern uh that Mr. Chirello raised is the selling of our data to data brokers
from the information that's collected by Flock and I would hope that in our contract we have a prohibition against that. That you know, you it's it's to be used for legitimate law enforcement purposes um to the benefit of this township not for Flock to take the
information that it's gathering, sell it to data brokers and expand its profits. I think that's the concern that we would have and I think the only way we can resolve that is probably take a look at the contract. >> Well, that's again a part of the process and why the state made sure that these
vendors abide by what is needed and what must be done according to our Attorney General guidelines. Okay. So you think if we look at the guidelines that we put certain parameters, meaning we the the state of New Jersey on what Flock
could do with the information that it's collecting. Correct. And so the okay. All right, that that would be helpful and I think to look cuz that was my understanding. I do when Mr. Chirello was speaking, I was like, "I think we voted on this." And um my that was my understanding. It was for legitimate law
enforcement purposes. It was to take a quick screenshot of a license plate. And so if for example, you know, you got uh a silver alert you know, for a um a missing elderly person, you would be able to check the Flock camera and
say, you know, Mr. Jones was on um you know, West Shore Trail at 5:00 on you know, and we'd be able to find Mr. Jones. >> Correct. We we you know, the the alerts are set up in the system if something like that. There was a silver alert that goes out. Now if that person was in Sparta and it hit off one of our our our
plate readers, we would get notification and then our officers would try to intercept and get that individual their medical needs. You know, bottom line is this, I have kids, a lot of people in here have kids. I think about it as as mostly this, if somebody's trying to abduct one of my my children and we're
able to capture that image of a license plate of a vehicle that was described on the time frame, the area, and and intercept that person, make an arrest, and get my children back safe. That's that's a win. Our cell phones that we carry around every day, they collect
more data than anything that you're possibly think of. We're talking right now about ALPRs. You're going to do uh some searches on the internet, and ALPRs are going to start popping up on your phone. So, these are a benefit to the residents to to protect us
um and and ensure that we have the the proper investigative tools to do our jobs and to solve crimes, and to protect our our loved ones, and ensure that loved ones that are out there are missing, uh medical distress, suicidals,
we can find them, locate them, and get them the help that they need. Thank you, Chief. You're welcome. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you for your comments, Mr. Cirello. Yeah, thank you. Jenny Dereks, Sparta Um Chief, just one thing, that was passed in May of 2023,
and at the time you said um that any officer who wants to search that database has to have a case number. Correct. >> Okay. So, and and that goes back to the checks and balances, the case number with our audit trail, and uh I'm not sure the percentage that we
have to do. >> Just like a search warrant or something. >> through and we ensure that if you search for a plate, a case number is attached, and the case number is proper for the incident needed to search, if it's an investigative matter, or if it's uh again, a medical issue,
something of that nature. >> Um Do we know, Mr. Zeppen, your in your report earlier, you mentioned today that they started doing test borings, or they did their test borings, they did six, is that what you said?
And you said that a representative from the township was there. Can you tell us who that was? I believe it was nine borings. Nine, thank you. And it was township engineer Corey Stoner along with his associate. Uh he had a partner from his uh firm as
well. Okay, and you expect about a week to get results from that. That's what I was told. >> Okay. Um about the budget, you touched on a few things quickly that are being cut. When
will we will the will the details that Ron is asking for are those cuts going to be visible in there, or do we have to specifically ask you what are what is being cut? You You briefly mentioned, you know, a cola freeze for non uh union members. Um and something about
cuts to support organizations, or I may have missed that or misheard that, but will we get the details of what those specific cuts are? I believe you will. Uh also, during the hearing session, you
can you can ask me, and I'm I'm happy to tell you. It should be in there. Uh but you give me an opportunity, uh I was able to double-check that the process that we're introducing the budget is the proper process in that it can't be posted to the website until the council approves its introduction. So, if they
hadn't approved it, Ron, and it was on the website, that would have been improper. So, this budget will be now that it's been officially introduced, it will then be posted first thing tomorrow morning. That's the proper answer. Mr. Day, please please no comments from the seats. This is not a back and forth. I'm
sorry. Okay, respectfully. No, no, that's not what happens right here. So, I think he answered it, so hope it's okay answer. Will other things be added? Um will anything that's been added to the budget be visible? For example, we've heard um about the envi-
um business development committee adding a website a webpage for uh businesses to be pro- um uh publicized. Is the cost of that going to be >> O&E budget. >> So, we won't have details.
It it it the the budgets of the O&E are are are aggregate in that department line, and how they choose to spend that money is up to them, even though the overall budget itself may have been reduced. >> won't know things like that. >> Okay, so we won't know if something's
been new. I'll do my best to answer those questions for you. And one other thing I had asked you in advance a couple weeks ago uh to have information about how much the legal costs have been for our lawsuits. Yeah, I appreciate that, and
I'm I'm ready to present that to you during the hearing. Okay. Um one thing that will add to our lawsuits if if we don't do it right is the issue with 809. Um West 809 West Mount- West Mountain, um
that situation was allowed to develop over more than a year of letting dirt be dumped there. The town knew about it. The town there's documentation that the town knew about it, let it go. I'm not asking for a response, but if the town
doesn't take every action that it can on behalf of the property owners in the area to ensure that their well water is safe, that runoff doesn't affect their properties, saying that they're going to be retroactively getting permits may not be
sufficient when the permit process has has specific um requirements that the project must go through to ensure that the neighbors are not dis- disturbed in a way that is unreasonable
or detrimental or dangerous. And so, that whole process got missed, was was ignored, or however you want to frame that, and now we're at seemingly at the end of this process, but it really needs to be
more uh scrutinized from behalf of the town on behalf of the town of what the town can do for this for the area residents affected by this project. You will be sued if you're not if it's not done right. I mean, you're
talking about trying to avoid lawsuits, here it is. Thank you. Well, while on the topic, Jim, can we get a list of the things that are being cut? Is that over the top, or is that possible? Sure. Yeah, and maybe just a list of things
that are being funded and things that are being cut, just like kind of a uh highlight of key highlights of the budget. Absolutely. >> were prepared to when hearing that we have some information supporting, maybe it'll streamline a lot of questioning. Absolutely. Yeah, thank you.
Thanks. Uh Luke Gaspar Marco, uh Sparta. Um so, I've been going to a lot of the end-over meetings, and I've seen a lot of other towns deal with the uh encroachment of big business, and I was just wondering, I mean, Sparta's been dealing with it all, like with the
warehouses and stuff, too. So, I was just curious as to what is the town council doing for the future in order to better tackle this progress in battling these businesses. Would you mind uh just clarifying the
the question about when you say the battle against big businesses a little bit more? >> So, like a couple issues, I mean, having these large centers, warehouses, data centers uh in the vicinity of the townsfolk, and um also I uh removing sort of the pilot program, you
know, giving pilots to these large businesses uh in order to, you know, reduce taxes. Um I'm not really in support of that. I was wondering what is being done to tackle these things. Well, I mean, I don't think we should get into a
whole debate about it, but I don't believe that we do pilots. Uh is that correct? >> No, correct. Right. We don't do pilots um in terms of that route, that part of your question. Um I don't know. I I I can answer for myself, but I I don't we're not going to go one by one, but I think that we're
we're trying to balance appropriate my opinion, since speaking for everyone, trying to balance appropriate growth, ratables, while also protecting the resources and the uh the character and the history of Sparta. I mean, that's it's at a nutshell, that's kind of what I think we need to do, and we need to be
diligent about that balance. But You know, I I I'd be glad to answer that. I'd be glad to answer that. You'd like to? Sure. Okay, a lot of things have been done over the past few years to stem the tide, as it may be, of
larger facilities coming into the town. One of the things we reduced the size of the largest building that could be in the town to 175,000 ft. That's number one. Number two, we also we also have a master we're also
developing our master plan to to figure out exactly how we want our town to grow. We've eliminated, and we've changed this town council over the past two election cycles, you've seen an anti-
anti-growth, anti- development board elected. Number number four, you've seen professionals change that had been promoting development within our town.
And so, those changes have been made, and these were made by the people through their votes. These are what the people of Sparta want. They want fresh air, they They green grass, they want
beautiful trees. They want open space. We've heard that over and over and over again in survey after survey. And that's what we have to step try to do over the past few years. And that's what we plan to do in the years ahead.
Thank you. Thank you. If I may, I was going to take a totally different approach to that to that answer. Pave it over. The business development committee is looking for volunteers. If you would like to go on our website, join us and
and be a member of that committee. The these are the issues that we discuss. I think Mark framed out some good points and I'll I'll leave some of it off the table, but I think the the you know, the master plan is something that will address that you know, what's our smart growth and the future of smart growth
and bringing balance. So, we don't have 10 11% tax increases and if not higher moving forward and and there's a little bit more balance financial balance to what's the right or wrong mix. So, I think your questions were fair. And then stay tuned. I have some more information
to share with you before the end of the meeting. Okay. Also, if I may add to it it if you wish to even come to an environmental commission meeting where we address things like that. And our master plan hasn't been updated
piece by piece little here and there in 40 years. So, therefore we are putting one together to preserve our beautiful place and keep it the way everyone moved here. So, come you're welcome to come to the environmental commission and see what we
do and even if you want to volunteer there. So, thank you for your questions. The final thing I will say is you did mention the particular use. That one is controversial and um I can assure you that the method and
process by which that particular use found its way into Andover will not happen here. There will be no secret meetings between town council officials and developers. That is not going to happen here. Not on
my watch. It's going to be out in public view where the public can talk about it. They can know what it means. They will also know the parameters of what type of use is that this township can carry. What's the carrying capacity for things that
have high demands in electricity and water. We will not go blindly into some type of use at the behest of a developer. No, I don't think we should be speaking about this at this point. Well, I I >> [clears throat] >> I think I really don't.
That's okay. Let let let No, I don't. >> finish. Yeah, let me finish this comment. I think we'll have our own views. Yeah, we'll have our own views and perspective which is good. We're not all exactly saying the same thing which I think is that's that's good. >> I want just to share the gentleman of the process. That's all. >> Yes. Okay. >> Yeah, I think that we want to make sure
that the process under which you know, development happens in here is open and within public view. And I think part of what you're seeing in other townships, the pushback against that is they feel left out. And I think everyone on this council even regardless of how you feel about
development wants the public to be brought along not to be excluded and not to have the wool pulled over their eyes. Thank you. Okay, anyone else from the public have any comments up to? Okay. Hi. Thomas Blake. I live on Seneca Lake
Road, Sparta. Um just two two comments. Not to jump around on topics, but just back to the flock camera. Um The the only thing I'll note is that you know, a town pays a subscription fee. I know we had the the grant. Um
But uh it's about $2,500 a year per camera. If there's 13 cameras, it's 32 grand a year. Um I don't know how long we plan on keeping them, but just something to think about if we're continuing to pay that you know, after grant runs out. Um adding costs um you know, and I think the concern more
than I totally see the the valid reasons you know, safety and everything you're saying. I think more like the concern of me and a lot of other people is like it being owned by a private company, you know, and not owned by you know, a town. Um cuz you could say whatever you want put in a contract, but private company's not going to
not going to do it all the time, you know, as we see all all the time. So, I think that's the the main concern with it. Um and then back to the data center thing or uh you know, the big development. Um you know, I see a lot of towns talking about doing a moratorium on data
centers. Is that something Sparta would do because you know, it doesn't bring a lot of tax benefits into the town. If we're trying to bring taxes in, it's definitely not a way to bring money in. Um you know, they're resource intensive. They don't provide jobs.
Is that is that something we could do? Not that I think one will come here, but is that I don't think we're going to comment on proposed land uses like that. I think we're working on the master plan. We're we're working on some other things, but uh Okay. Yeah. I'm not really having statements like that, but I appreciate it. Yeah, I appreciate the concern and
the feedback. Thanks. Thank you. Good evening. Marjorie Castaldi, 353 North Church Road in Sparta. Um I'm here about the 809 West Mountain Road. They did do the testing today.
But the LSRP was cited for a lot of violations and I really didn't understand just because she still has her license why they can go ahead and continue with that person.
And if it can be if there's a if there's a possibility to have someone else. I tried to check with the DEP, but I sent you folks the information about what happened with the DEP and they've opened another case. So, I was
trying to get the DEP to be there when they did the site because honestly, I'm not really comfortable with the LSRP. So, I don't know if if the DEP can go back in. I'm not sure.
But I'm a little skeptical. Thank you. If you if you'd like, I appreciate your questions and your concerns. It'd be better to have this done offline out of a public meeting just because it's a it's a personal and it's a
resident matter. So, we would invite you to come in and talk. We can talk to you by phone. We can whatever arrangements you have to talk through this some more. We can tell you kind of where what the township can do and and what they can't do in terms of LSRPs and all that. But rather than
subject you and others to having this conversation done this way. It's a more appropriate to have it be offline. And I invited you folks out so you could see the property to see how it's on top of my property line and
there was only a few members that came by. And I really think that you have to see it because like when the DEP went there to do their to do their investigation they were out there in May on 25 and I
had the pictures that I presented to you folks. What that was in April 15. So, that was days before and you could see it was two stories of dirt that had been dumped.
So, obviously the DEP finding a few piles of dirt was not brought to that site. Yeah, I'm sorry. We we can't really answer or getting into a a deep discussion about this tonight only because it involves another resident of the township which is also a private
resident and a citizen who's not here and this is not the place for a back and forth between residents. I mean, we I we acknowledge what you're going through intensely and we understand you and we know you have questions. Um town manager just uh gave his latest update I think as of a couple hours ago. But because this is
another resident we're talking about too, we're not going to be involved in like a discussion Okay, I understand. >> You understand. No, I understand you're representing all of the residents in Sparta. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Okay. Seeing no other members from the public, we'll move on to council liaison updates. We can start at our far left. Councilman Scott. Business development meeting. Business development committee met on
April 23rd. We talked about website development to support economic development Sparta. Business development committee met on 23rd to discuss the development of municipal economic development web a a municipal economic development website
focused on promoting Sparta's existing assets and business opportunities. There was unanimous agreement that the website should serve two complimentary purposes with a strong emphasis on one, increase awareness and support within Sparta. >> [snorts]
>> The committee agreed that the website should primarily focus on increasing awareness among Sparta residents of existing local businesses and services. Key goals include encouraging residents to shop in Sparta, promoting the use of Sparta-based service providers,
highlighting the breadth of businesses already operating in the town. This internal focus is intended to strengthen the economy by keeping spending and services within the community. Number two, encourage business growth and redevelopment. The primary economic development purpose of
the site would be to attract new businesses locating in Sparta, existing Sparta businesses seeking to expand, out-of-town businesses considering relocation or satellite offices. This The website should emphasize opportunities to
increase the use of existing retail and office space, reduce commercial vacancies within our town, and promote redevelopment and reuse of underutilized sites that are existing. A central objective is to encourage
development that maximizes existing sites and infrastructure rather than expanding into undeveloped farmland or open space, which Sparta residents really don't want. Overall objectives. The committee agreed that the website should position Sparta
as a business-friendly community, a town with available, adaptable commercial assets, a municipal a municipality committed to smart growth, redevelopment, and preservation of open space. We believe that these are
practical and effective ways to grow our tax base without having to lose the open space that many of Spartans have indicated they like. That's where we are. Thanks. Thank you, Councilman.
Deputy Mayor? I echo what Mark said. I'm I'm fine. Okay. Thank you. So, uh for tonight for uh my council liaison update, I'll get to uh if you humor humor me a little bit, um going to do a little bit of a PSA um from the Sussex
County Health Department. Um the liaison to the Health Department. And um some of you may or may not follow it, but they come up with a monthly newsletter, which has uh pretty valuable information, and many of you may know some of this information. If it helps even a few of our residents, um
it's it's worthwhile. So, um these are Again, if you want to find this, Sussex County Health newsletter, um just go to sussex.nj.us, departments, and then find Division of Health. Um they have lots of other information out there, which is which is
really valuable. Uh so, uh the first one is a reminder, which most of us who've lived here know that as spring arrives, uh it's black bear time, emerging from their dens, looking for food. And as we know, uh probably firsthand, our our
area, our part of the state has uh you know, the highest one of the highest black bear populations. Um so, a couple reminders for residents, including those watching at home, and especially maybe with children. Um couple reminders on how to protect your home and your neighborhood. Uh
secure your garbage, which means using bear-resistant containers, store your trash in a in a secure area. If possible, put out your trash in the morning, not overnight. Also, remember to bring in food sources from outdoors. So, pet food, bird feeders, clean your grills after you use
them, um and avoid leading leaving uh scraps out there. Finally, on the bears, again, great for kids, too. If you do encounter a bear, these are black bears, of course, um stay calm, don't run, back away slowly,
make loud noises to scare the bear away. Uh try to make yourself look larger, and finally, uh always think about giving the bear an escape route. Second uh PSA is about ticks. Again, uh I In my time out in the woods, fishing,
hiking, whatever it is over the years, I'm not afraid as much of a bears or anything else as the ticks. >> [laughter] >> And I've heard people say that the the smallest thing out there, one of the smallest things, is the most dangerous. Um so, as warmer weather arrives, doesn't have to be out hiking, could be in your backyard, could be anywhere
doing lawn work. Um just be extra cautious and cognizant that ticks are out there, and they bring several illnesses, all right? They can. Lyme disease is one we all hear about, but there are many other well-known ones, and some of them could be even more dangerous than Lyme.
So, stay protected. Use a uh EPA-approved insect repellents, wear long sleeves and sleeves and pants outdoors, uh pre- pre- preferably light clothing, especially on your legs, so you can identify ticks. Uh once you come in, do a full body
check for ticks, shower within 2 hours of coming inside, um and finally, if you do find a tick, uh there are certain ways you need to remove it. Um and if you can, if you find it and remove it, please save it. Um you know, put it into a bag in case you come up with symptoms later on or
want to get it checked. Uh it's always valuable to have uh the tick available, um hopefully not living, but uh >> [laughter] >> So, anyway, that's my PSA for tonight. Just wanted to share a couple updates. Um I'll pull out some of these from now and now now time to time again from the Health Department, but uh just wanted to
do a plug for that website, too, um if you want to find out more information, uh feel free to visit it. Councilwoman? May- Mayor, we also uh post the link to that on our health corner on the township's website. >> Yes. Thank you for pointing that out. True, very true. Thank you.
I know I can >> They're going to follow that up. Yeah, I don't [laughter] know. It's I have been bit. Um we've had a from our Rev 250 Committee, uh we did a presentation, which was
tremendous, at the Sparta Presbyterian Church. There were eight gravesites that were members of the service in from the Revolutionary War. The DAR was there, which is the Daughters of American Revolution group.
And thank you, Commander Pete Litchfield, for being there and presenting, as did many other groups in the Sussex County Historical Society and the Van Kirk Historical Museum. It was It was really quite an experience. Um
I had no idea there were eight gravestones that were here in our cemetery. So, and the Ogdens, as I said before that they were uh they're also there's two buried there that uh the family there were still family members that flew in
to be part of the presentation. So, it was It was quite wonderful. Um the Stay tuned for more on the Rev 250. It is posted on our website, and the uh historical museum, the Van Kirk
Museum, different events that we will be having throughout the year to honor the Rev 250 of our country. Um and if you haven't visited the Van Kirk Museum, you should do so. It's pretty It's pretty awesome.
Also, we had um with the Senior Committee, the Y did a presentation, and there's a tremendous amount of of classes for seniors, for families, for children. I had no idea they had so much going on there
that you can go on their website, and if anyone um needs help with becoming a member, they have programs for that as well. So, go on their website, and be in touch with the
Y in Sussex to the Sussex County Y to get any information about that. Um and then Sunday we did we honored the fallen firefighters with lighting up the town hall in pink, and it is Fallen
Firefighters Honor Week. So, thank you to all of our firefighters and the ones that came to present. Um Also, Earth Day, we had with the Environmental Committee, we had it here as Thank you, Mr. Zepu.
>> [laughter] >> You covered that pretty well. It really was It was more than last year, and we were outside at the middle school last year. And I think there were more people this year, and it's great for children to find out more about the environment. It was really a very, very well done for all of our people in the Environmental
Committee and the the different vendors that were here. Um also, there's going to be a Hike the Glen on June 6th at 9:00 a.m. It's about a 2 and 1/2 mile walk starting at Youngers Yonkers Landing, and you can
register online on the QR code um from the town website or from the Environmental Commission. So, that should be a a If you've never seen the rest of that up there, then please do so. It's absolutely gorgeous.
Um That is all I have right at the moment. Um That's it. Yes, thank you. Thank you. Councilman Clark? Sure. Uh with trails, uh we're been busy trying to get all the
uh submissions required for the trail grant, um and I thank the council for passing the resolution tonight. Um so, we've been busy. I think we've met what, three times already? Um so, it's it's pretty labor-intensive. Uh so, we've been focusing on that in
particular. Uh we also had a booth at Earth Day, uh which was pretty well attended given the uh weather that day, and had a fair amount of people who came up and were excited about uh the the trails program. Uh also, uh
we are working in conjunction with the Environmental Commission for that hike. Uh so, it's it's been a nice collaborative effort between the Trails Committee and the Environmental uh Commission. I mean, trails committee environmental commission >> [clears throat] >> with respect to trails, but you know, for the time being we're we're focused
on getting that grant. On Sparta beautification, I want to thank the Township for doing the paperwork necessary so that we can accept the generous donation by the Biundo Group for beautification along Main Street. We are formulating a
plan now of how to spend that contribution from them. So that is what we're doing now. Like I said at the last meeting, we'd like to do that sooner rather than later. I think the last frost according to our
horticultural expert on is going to be May 15th. So it wouldn't see flowers up there until after May 15th if we can even get that because if you did, could be a frost and then there go your flowers. So um we're busy doing that. With the film
committee, we are busy preparing for Sparta Day for a presentation for that. So that's been the the primary focus of the film committee. Rec and Lake Mohawk did not meet.
I will point out that none of the committees that I've listed intend to ask the Township for any funds. We will do the best we can to handle it ourselves.
In fact, I went out of my own pocket to pay for the film committee to attend Sparta Day. And so unlike some of our other committees that are seeking money from the Township, none of the committees that I am on are doing that even though you could probably justify an economic
rationale for each of them. So anyway, I just thought it would be necessary to point that out. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman. Oh, I wanted to also mention that we did collect for the Sparta Community Food Pantry at Earth Day.
And we got a nice contribution. So thank you all who came. Great. Thank you. Mayor, if I may, just one clarification on administrative committee updates. Are we supposed to be for formally submitting a monthly report or an update
to it and or if we as our committees are meeting want to provide suggestions. We're advisory committees. Right. So we would technically put it on our letterhead and submit it to the town council for recommend any recommendations. I'm just trying to get the procedural aspects. I
know we do it. It's great. Everybody's committees are active. They're they're participating. It's the communications get saturated sometimes with emails. So is there any way is there anybody is one is it is an issue two is there are we kind of following that? This is more of
an educational question for me. Yeah, I mean my take on it is if it's every meeting we do updates. If it's something where it's more of a report, more of a finding, more of a recommendation, that that could be both. I would say both probably. Yeah, so verbally but also All recommendations or
something significant whether it's something going from the planning board to like the planning board or zoning board would represent rep represent or recommend something to council, they put it on That would be more formal. Okay. Like the BDC for instance just uh
I would say not every meeting, not even maybe every quarter, but if there's a set of recommendations as an advisory committee, yeah, I would I would suggest both verbally and then maybe a you know, sending it into the council and it could be both. All right. Thank you. Okay, let's move on to unfinished new business. Uh
Deputy Mayor Sylvester, would you like to go first? Yes. In light of the earlier conversation, um and I was hoping to gain some of your your support up here as well. I wanted to really present a concept of presenting a policy
or an ordinance that um we kind of in a kind of a systematic process that we put forth that and I titled a professional education and public information requirement prior to consideration of
any market or industry specific ordinances. So whether it's cannabis industry or the data center industry or some other emerging market or industry, some type of um impact positive, negative, yay or nay,
you know, something's changing in the marketplace that what we do is before we take action and before we start writing ordinances and and people getting things out that we have experts in that in those industries come out and educate the public and town council on such
subject matters, whatever it may be. Um and I think that would help town council make a more educated collective decision. So we don't have I examples what happened in new in that we are more informed on both sides, you know,
there's always counter and you know, counter arguments to each, but I think it's important that we get the professionals who serve those industries or those markets or those industry sectors or technologies to come up here and educate us and educate the public as
well. Full transparency and and I'm just going to read this. The purpose of the policy ordinances to ensure the town council and public are adequately informed before any legislative action is taken considering the approval, restriction, regulation or prohibition of specific market industry
business model or business related activity. It is the intent of the town to promote informed, transparent and evidence-based decision-making through public education and expert input. I think that would take a lot of edge and a lot of heat off some of the controversial subjects that come up here
time to time. Sometimes we all try to help and support respond. We're not experts. I'll be the first one to say on subject matters that I don't know, I don't know, but I will seek information. And it's not just going to shoot something on AI or research something that's slanted to what I think I want to
hear. I'd like to hear it from the experts and share that with the public before we make the efforts and the expenses and the commitment to writing and presenting ordinances that then you know, create you know, coming up here two, three times and just create a lot of business
traffic so to speak. So I hope [clears throat] my council members I think I'll speak with Mr. Dash tomorrow and how I can maybe try to move this forward for future consideration, but I think it's a good first step for all of us to just be a little bit more transparent and educate ourselves and
have the public as well join us in that process to make sure we're going to make the right decisions based on facts and and information provided by experts. Yeah, um I just I I like the idea of more transparency of course and more
education and and content. Um the other side of it comes to mind is cost and can I'm trying to envision like examples where we might use this. Like just trying to get my my head around like what kind of ordinances And I'm not to
not to put the town manager on the spot, but he was looking at our water and sewer department and we spent I don't know how much was that contract we approved to go ahead and have them do this study so we could get more information and and
facts to consider before we we're paying a consultant to do that particular study. I'm not saying going full blown having a study on every conversation. What I'm saying is invite those that are experts and acknowledge whether it's university personnel or industry
personnel or technology people, have them come up here and give us a 5, 10 minute, you know, the pros and cons of, you know, a certain market or certain sector. They would I'm sure they would do it we can ask obviously free of charge, but I think it would just be a really good
way of taking the proper steps as as Councilman Clark mentioned earlier that we're we're not going to put the cart in front of the horse and we start passing ordinances with maybe not having all the proper information. Funding, that's a different
conversation. Yeah, it's something that we could we could further discuss, but I think it's important that I think it would help us all you know, be better informed to make decisions. That's all. And you think the audience in your mind, you know, audience would be the town council versus like the master plan subcommittee or the
planning board or things like that or it depends on >> where it would fall, right? But I think you know, for a quick 5 minute introduction, I'm not you know, having a congressional hearing up here on the subject matter, but just get a professional to come up here and give us a quick 5 minute introduction to or the
pros and cons or the benefits and challenges of whatever markets are you know we're going to continue to see uh as we move forward. So that's all. I mean at the funny it's it's a concept. I really want to push it into something more of a policy at
at the very least something maybe in in ordinance form to kind of filter these things. So when we're ready to hear them and we're ready to present ordinances, we have fact we have facts behind them. We're in all agreement or and or disagreement, but at least we've had open dialogue and we could say, "Hey, we
had fact-based professionals educate us." That's all. I mean your your question kind of raises that, right? I mean we're not at we're not data center experts, we weren't detention center experts, we're not cannabis experts. I'm not speaking I'm speaking for myself on that one maybe,
but um my point's just let's just be educated. I'd love to learn more before I come up here and just start making emotional uh decisions here. All right. Thank you. Yeah, I think it's a good idea. I I
think, you know, we'll have to get sort of some parameters around it. Um, you know, for if it's, for example, a use that we've never heard of um, that's nowhere found in our land use law. Uh, I think that's probably something that we we should do.
Um, what what I don't want to see the process uh, turn into is one where we're we're stalling and some of the times you pass ordinance to prevent um, you know, an application from getting dropped into your planning board um, that you know the township is
not going to be supportive of. Um, that's a great point. >> Yeah, so I think that's a good point. >> Yeah, so I think, you know, I think there's some parameters on it, but I think it is a good idea for the and look, you can do this without um, expenditure. I think it comes to mind when there was issues raised about uh,
the station park remediation. And uh, so what I did is contacted the EP and the EPA and you had people who were responsible for that remediation come and educate the public uh, at no charge to the township. Uh, we didn't have to
go hire a third-party expert on, you know, uh, superfund remediation, right? We just simply asked the government official to come in and explain it. So there's ways you can do this, but I I like where your head is at on this. I think it's a good idea. So Mhm. kudos to you for bringing it up. Mhm.
I agree. Okay, um, I'll I'll actually go next, so um, I'm going to talk about the 2026 Outstanding Older American Award. So, um, Council, the a nomination uh, for this
year's Outstanding Older American Award has been uh, submitted and reviewed. And I would like to pass a motion uh, to award the honor to Valerie Machio. Um, so may I please have a
a motion? I made the motion. I would like to have a second for Valerie. I'll second. Okay. Uh, I'll talk a little bit about Valerie in a moment, but um, if we can have a uh, all in favor say I. I. Okay.
So, uh, congratulations to Valerie. Um, So, uh, Valerie's a a Sparta resident for over 25 years. Um, I'm really proud to recognize her um, for this older Outstanding Older American Award. It's also sometimes called Senior of the Year
Award, so you may have heard it said differently. Uh, but for the past 18 years Valerie has dedicated herself to the Sparta Community Food Pantry as a volunteer, where she now serves as executive director and board president. The pantry provides vital support for
more than 4,000 individuals each month. 4,000 each month across Sussex, Warren, and parts of Morris counties. Uh, from seniors and veterans to working families and those facing facing
hardship, uh, Valerie's unwavering commitment has made a meaningful difference in countless lives and our community is much stronger because of her service. Um, so I just wanted to again congratulate Valerie and she'll be
recognized at a uh, a a dinner that celebrates the senior volunteers in a few weeks and also she'll be getting an award uh, at that dinner and um, usually family or friends come, so that'll be a nice celebration. I'm not sure if uh, Councilwoman had anything
else to to talk about right now or Well, as knowing her personally and working on the board with her, I uh, I've never seen anybody that works harder and more dedicated and is constantly finding new new avenues to
to help with the families in need. Um, we are 100% volunteer organization and it just never ends. It's 24/7. Um, and it's it's it's sad to see that there is that much need, but uh,
she is she's just non-stop and um, you get texts from her all time kinds of times of days and nights trying to and trying to put together new ideas and promotions and how to help people and it's it's a really a never-ending
job that just watching people and the thanks we get from the people that come in um, is what it's all about and helping people in need. And she just goes above and beyond as so does her her husband
and her son, so they should be a seniors of the seniors of the year award, so Great. I'm very very proud to be a part of it and to work with her. Excellent. Thank you so much. >> of the members on the board.
So, congratulations again, Valerie. Uh, secondly, on Sunday evening I had the distinct honor of participating in the Fallen Firefighters ceremony in front of the town hall here at dusk. Uh, as you recall, we passed a proclamation
at our last meeting and um, Sunday night with the town hall illuminated in its red lights, it was it was amazing. It kicked off um, the Fallen Firefighters Week. So, um, just wanted to say thank you to all attended and especially as I mentioned that night
to our um, our our dear all of our brave Sparta firefighters um, for all they do for us and all they sacrifice. Um, we are indebted to you and just remembering those uh, fallen firefighters uh, not only in here in New Jersey, but around the country. Um, so just want to end
with that, but it was a wonderful evening to be at and we're proud of them. >> and Mayor let me add, I thought uh, you did a great job speaking and and speaking about your own personal uh, experiences as well with family and all that and and Pete was field and others
who spoke. I thought all the presentations were were spot on and it's great to honor our, you know, the fallen firefighters and and to to your point, the town hall looks fantastic. So, thank you. Thanks for your support. Thank you, too.
Okay, uh, unfinished new business. Uh, Councilman Clark. Uh, sure. Um, first let me say I I really regretted that I was not able to make the uh, Fallen Firefighters. I was abruptly told that I had to be in Boston for a trial. My witness uh, was
called to the stand on Monday. Where it's going to be called instead of Tuesday. So I fully intended to attend, but I would I had to go and and work called. Um, I would like to take this opportunity under new business um, which you do from time to time to
uh, address issues that the the public uh, has raised uh, including trying to correct, you know, misinformation or disinformation. Um, [snorts] tonight a lot of people blamed lawsuits for the reason for our budgetary woes.
That's inaccurate. Our legal expenses last year represent between 1 and 2% of the budget. That is well in line with the average of other municipalities. For example, 1.3% of Clifton's budget is spent on legal fees.
If legal fees were truly blowing a hole in the budget, you'd expect they would be well above the municipal average. They're not. Also, it's important to remember that those legal fees incorporate not only defending the town against lawsuits initiated by others,
but all the legal review of ordinances and resolutions that come before this town. Another important thing to remember is that Sparta is not initiating these lawsuits. The aggrieved developer or property owner is. For example,
the Edelweiss lawsuit was initiated by an owner who wanted to operate a short-term rental and was upset that we passed an ordinance limiting short-term rentals to 28 days or more. That ordinance passed after many members of the public pleaded with town council to do something about short-term rentals
that were disturbing their neighborhoods. I will also remind people that the Superior Court found in favor of Sparta, not the property owner, and upheld the ordinance. The matter is currently up on appeal. Next, we have the Awesome Acres lawsuit.
Again, an aggrieved contract purchaser who wants to build 200 to 400 apartment buildings across from ShopRite on Route 15 filed this lawsuit. That lawsuit followed on the heels of an ordinance that limited land uses in the zone to agricultural and outdoor
recreation following overwhelming public complaints about traffic and accidents along the Route 15 corridor corridor, which runs through that zone. Again, it was this town council following through on the will of the people that got us sued.
And again, like in the short-term rental case, the Superior Court found in favor of Sparta and against the contract purchaser. The contract purchaser is appealing that ruling. Finally, the Diamond Chip lawsuit, both one against our planning board that is up on
appeal before the Appellate Division and the federal lawsuit was initiated by the developer, not by Sparta. And so for those of you counting at home, that's three lawsuits and three and 0 that Sparta
is undefeated in. So, if Sparta isn't the one starting these lawsuits, how do we make them stop? Well, give the landowner or developer exactly what they want. Don't put up a fight. Just ignore the will of the people and
fold. Does this town council want to be a surrogate for the people's will or the developer's will? That's the issue that those chanting stop the lawsuits must answer.
But I know for me, I'm with the people. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Councilwoman Murphy >> fall under? Unfinished business? Or new business? I'm just curious cuz I would I would
like to speak on other things, but I thought it's about unfinished business. I know I'm not being Snyder. I appreciate Councilman Clark's comments, but I mean, was that What did that tie back to? We're not supposed to be I mean, was that just to give any a legal update
on unfinished business, I would gather. What would that fall under? New business or unfinished business to address an issue that that has been raised. So, I think that in it's been past practice to uh if there's an issue that has been raised uh either by the public or is new
business, you use the opportunity to do so. Yeah, and I understand that, but I would love to speak, you know, and not not rebut, but I would prevue provide fact-based. And I guess it's going to come out in the budget on how how legal fees uh have a snowball, how legal legal
defenses, whether they're brought to us or not, and we initiate them or we're defending them, they have a diminished return on investment after a certain point. And what what does a victory or what does a win look like? And where are we going with it at the end of the day? And that
in turn also slows down the progress of other things that whether it's affecting our business from getting into a store and start operating or a new project coming online, these things create delays of which then are affecting our ratables. So, you have direct and
indirect impacts to these lawsuits. We are not a law We are not a law firm. We are town council here. And I think we have I know and I I've been I've been screaming about the lawsuits, and I appreciate the defense. I We noticed. I've seen it behind the curtains. And
Mark, you don't have to get play-by-play commentary here. I I I get I really no disrespect, but let me let me have the floor for a minute because I see it. I get to see the hard work that Mr. Dash, you know, Councilman Clark and everybody else here got up here as including town Town Manager Zepp
that has to field 7 million calls a day on these things, but there's a point of which we got we got to take a step back and stop looking at it from just a legal lens. When there's financial impacts that directly or indirectly funded or not funded with by insurance or out of
pocket and expenses of the taxpayers, a 10 and 1/2% tax increase, whatever it came out to, is a tough pill to swallow, and I think we owe it to the public to consider that. And 80% of that is cuz of >> Mark, I I I assure you that it's not about law. It's not about just insurance, and that's another issue
though. I think this is This is why I was going to wait for the hearing. I don't want to debate the budget right now. And I I will. I will out of respect to time and and the public for sitting through a long meeting. But if it's going to be about insurance, you you have been working on this insurance for
over 4 years, and you saw the you saw the cost going up going up going up. What measures were put in place to maybe shop, consider alternative options, look at other different vehicles, and instead of just
saying it's just insurance. I just don't want cuz it's not any one particular thing, but we can't discount or start cherry-picking things that we don't want to really address head-on from a budgetary standpoint and ignore it. I mean, I think Jim laid it out pretty
clearly in his opening statement to the budget. Hopefully the expanded information you provide will show here's the things we're funding, here's the things we're not funding and giving up. All our committees are funded, our roads aren't going to We have no road We have
zero money in this budget to pave our roads. But yet >> We can leave all this for the hearing. >> where I'm going to end it. I just stay tuned for this budget. I I'm going to ask the public to please pay attention to this. It's it's it's very important. And and there's a combination of a lot
of things colliding. Some directly inflicted, some circumstance, but I think we need to just have open dialogue come the 28th, I think is when the hearing's going to be, right? Yeah. So, that's all. Thank you. Yeah, I think let's let's see I will I'm sure we'll talk more about this during the
hearing, and yeah, some things are some things I personally agree with, some things I don't, but we'll let's leave it I'll let it sit for now. Did you have any new business? No. Unfinished business? Okay. And Councilman Scott, did you have any new or unfinished business? >> No. Okay. I'll save it for November.
>> Okay. >> [laughter] >> November? Election. Oh, about the hearing. Okay. Maybe the hearing. >> [laughter] >> Okay. So, on that note, um just uh protect yourselves from the bears and ticks. I'll leave it at that.
And uh may have a motion to adjourn, please? So moved. All right.